Puerto Natales: Full Day Horse Riding to the Mountains
Imagine starting your day in Puerto Natales, a gateway to the wild beauty of Patagonia. For around $360 per person, you’ll spend approximately 10 hours exploring diverse landscapes on horseback—forests, lakes, river crossings—and ending with one of the most stunning mountain vistas you’ll ever see. Guided by friendly local experts, this tour offers more than just riding; it’s a chance to connect with nature and yourself.
What we particularly loved about this experience was the personal connection with the horses — you’re not just hopping on a saddle; you’re meeting your mount, brushing it, and letting it choose you. The optional mindfulness exercises at the mountain lookout add depth, making this tour a perfect blend of adventure and reflection. It’s very likely you’ll spot condors soaring near the peaks, adding to the sense of being truly immersed in Patagonia’s wilderness.
One possible consideration is the physical requirement — the ride involves some walking, and previous riding experience is recommended. This tour suits those who enjoy a bit of adventure but are comfortable on horseback and ready for a full day outdoors. If you’re craving authentic Patagonia scenery and meaningful encounters with horses, this is a worthwhile choice.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic horse connection: You start by meeting and brushing your horse, making the riding experience more personal.
- Scenic variety: Ride through forests, lakes, and river crossings, culminating in a mountain top view.
- Wildlife spotting: Expect to see condors flying close, adding excitement to the landscape.
- Mindfulness moments: Optional brief exercises encourage reflection amidst breathtaking scenery.
- All-day adventure: With multiple riding sessions and a picnic lunch, this is a full-day experience for nature lovers.
- Limited group size: Small groups (up to 8) ensure personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
A Genuine Look at This Patagonia Horse Ride
Embarking on this full-day Patagonia adventure, you immediately notice how much effort goes into creating an authentic horseback experience. It begins with a pickup at your hotel or the meeting point, Holaste! Specialty Coffee, where you’re greeted and introduced to your fellow travelers and guides. The tour is designed to balance practical safety briefings with time to build a connection before mounting your horse.
The Morning Start: Grounding and Connection
Soon after meeting your guide, probably someone like Sebastián or Ana, you’ll engage in a grounding exercise — a short meditation or mindfulness activity to set the tone. Then comes the fun part: connecting with your horse. You’ll help to catch it in the field, brush it, and tack up — a process that takes about an hour. Many reviewers mention how this hands-on approach makes the ride more meaningful. One wrote, “I loved the way I was able to build trust with the horse, and that made the riding more natural and enjoyable.”
The First Ride: Forests, Lakes, and Scenic Crossings
Once mounted, the ride begins across a diversity of terrains. You’ll pass through lush forests, cross rivers, and navigate around lakes, giving you a real sense of Patagonia’s wild landscape. The guides are attentive and will give instructions before the ride, ensuring you’re comfortable, whether you’re a seasoned rider or have some experience. Expect to spend around three hours riding before you pause for lunch.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch and Rest: Picnic in Nature
The tour includes a well-earned picnic lunch. The guides prepare a simple, hearty meal in a scenic spot—probably with views of mountains or lakes nearby, allowing you to relax and absorb the quiet beauty. One guest remarked, “Having lunch outdoors, surrounded by nature, made the meal so much better than a restaurant.”
The Mountain Top View and Reflection
Post-lunch, you’ll head to the mountain top, reaching an elevation where the vistas are truly spectacular. From here, you’ll see the famous Paine Massif in the distance, with a high likelihood of spotting condors soaring nearby. Here, an optional mindfulness exercise invites quiet reflection, making this moment not just a photo opportunity but a chance to connect inwardly. Many describe this as a healing journey, with the landscape echoing a sense of vastness and peace.
Ending the Day: Wrap-up and Return
The ride concludes after roughly three more hours back in the saddle, taking you through varied terrains that reinforce the sense of adventure. A stop at the cozy Hotel Posada 3 Pasos offers a brief chance for coffee or tea before the transfer back to Holaste! Specialty Coffee, where your adventure began.
The Value of the Experience
At $360, this tour is an investment, but one that pays off through a blend of authentic connection, stunning scenery, and personal reflection. The inclusion of meals, entrance fees, and hotel pickup simplifies your planning, making it a smooth, hassle-free day. The small group size ensures you aren’t just a number, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly enjoy the landscape and your horse.
The quality of the guides adds to the value — their local knowledge and friendly approach help you feel safe and cared for. Many reviews highlight how the guides make the experience accessible, even for those with limited riding experience, though previous riding skills are recommended.
The Experience’s Strengths
- The diversity of landscapes keeps the ride interesting and visually stunning.
- The personal horse connection enriches the experience, transforming it from a simple ride into a meaningful interaction.
- The optional mindfulness exercises add a contemplative dimension, making it suitable for travelers seeking more than just sightseeing.
- The likelihood of seeing condors up close is a rare treat, adding excitement and a sense of authenticity.
Possible Drawbacks
- The full-day commitment might be too long for some travelers, especially those with limited stamina.
- The need for previous riding experience could exclude absolute beginners, though many experienced riders find it well worth the effort.
- The cost might seem steep compared to other outdoor activities, but the personalized approach and scenic payoff justify the price for many.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in meaningful outdoor experiences. It’s perfect if you appreciate authenticity over touristy attractions and enjoy the idea of developing a bond with horses in a stunning setting. If you’re comfortable on a horse and eager for a full day of scenic riding, this tour offers a memorable way to explore Patagonia’s landscapes. It’s also well-suited for travelers looking for a healing, reflective experience, especially with the optional mindfulness exercises.
The Sum Up
In the end, this full-day horseback ride is a chance to connect deeply with the Patagonian wilderness and yourself. You’ll enjoy the thrill of riding through varied landscapes, the awe of mountain views, and the intimacy of working with horses in a pristine setting. The combination of scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and reflective moments makes it stand out among Patagonia tours.
While it requires a bit of physicality and prior riding experience, the sense of achievement and the authentic feeling of the landscape make it worthwhile. It’s a tour for those who want to go beyond sightseeing and truly engage with Patagonia’s natural charm on a personal level.
Whether you’re celebrating a special trip or simply seeking an adventure that feeds the soul as well as the eyes, this horseback experience offers a genuine taste of Patagonia’s rugged elegance and quiet majesty.
FAQ
Is previous riding experience necessary?
Yes, it’s recommended that riders have prior experience. The tour involves riding, and being comfortable on a horse will help you enjoy the day fully.
How long is the horseback riding each time?
Expect approximately three hours of riding before lunch and another three hours afterward, covering diverse terrains.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a jacket, long pants, waterproof shoes, and any personal items you might need during the day. Avoid high heels, sandals, shorts, or short skirts.
Can children participate?
This tour is not suitable for children under 8, especially those with limited riding experience or younger ages, due to the physical nature of the ride.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making your booking flexible if your plans change.
Are there options for dietary restrictions?
The tour includes a picnic lunch, but specific dietary needs should be discussed in advance with the organizer, as meals are generally simple and hearty.
Exploring Patagonia on horseback offers a rare chance to see the mountains, wildlife, and wilderness from a truly personal perspective. If you’re ready for a full day of adventure, reflection, and breathtaking views, this tour promises a memorable journey.
You can check availability for your dates here: